Top 25 Specialty Coffee FAQs Answered: Everything You Need to Know

1. What is specialty coffee?

Specialty coffee refers to the highest quality coffee, scoring 80 points or more on a 100-point scale by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). This grade signifies exceptional flavours, minimal defects, and careful production from farm to cup. It represents a refined approach to coffee, focusing on craftsmanship, traceability, and sustainability. Unlike regular coffee, specialty coffee emphasises the art of coffee-making at every stage. From hand-picking ripe cherries to precise roasting and brewing, each step is designed to highlight the bean's unique characteristics. This attention to detail sets specialty coffee apart as a premium product that celebrates quality over quantity.

2. Where does specialty coffee come from?

Specialty coffee originates from the "Coffee Belt," a tropical region that includes countries like Ethiopia, Colombia, Kenya, and Brazil. These regions have ideal conditions—altitude, soil, and climate—that allow coffee plants to thrive and develop complex flavours. Each country offers unique flavour profiles: Ethiopia is known for floral and fruity notes, while Kenya produces coffee with bright acidity and citrus undertones. By sourcing beans from these regions, specialty coffee celebrates the diversity and complexity of coffee grown worldwide.

3. How is specialty coffee graded?

Specialty coffee is graded through a cupping process, where certified Q-graders evaluate its flavour, aroma, acidity, body, and balance. Coffees that score 80 points or more are classified as specialty, with those scoring higher achieving even greater recognition. Defects play a critical role in grading. Specialty coffee must have minimal to no primary defects and only a few secondary defects. This meticulous evaluation ensures that specialty coffee represents the finest quality available.

4. What makes specialty coffee different from regular coffee?

Specialty coffee stands apart due to its focus on quality, traceability, and sustainability. While regular coffee prioritises mass production, specialty coffee celebrates the unique characteristics of each bean, ensuring it is carefully grown, processed, and roasted. The supply chain also differs. Specialty coffee often comes with detailed information about its origin, farmer, and processing method. This transparency allows consumers to appreciate the care and dedication behind their cup.

5. Why is origin important in specialty coffee?

Origin is a key factor in specialty coffee as it directly influences the flavour profile of the beans. The altitude, soil type, and climate of a coffee's origin contribute to its unique characteristics, making each region's coffee distinct. For example, high-altitude coffee farms produce beans with more complex and vibrant flavours due to slower growth. By understanding origin, coffee enthusiasts can explore the diverse tastes of different regions and appreciate the nuances of specialty coffee.

6. What is direct trade in specialty coffee?

Direct trade is a purchasing model where coffee roasters work directly with farmers, bypassing traditional intermediaries. This approach fosters transparency, builds long-term relationships, and ensures that farmers receive fair compensation for their work. By eliminating middlemen, direct trade allows roasters to source high-quality beans while supporting sustainable farming practices. This model also empowers farmers to invest in their communities and improve their coffee's quality, benefiting everyone involved.

7. Why does altitude matter in coffee farming?

Altitude plays a significant role in coffee farming because it affects the bean's growth and flavour development. At higher altitudes, cooler temperatures slow the maturation process, allowing beans to develop more complex sugars and vibrant flavours. Coffees grown at higher elevations are often described as bright, fruity, and aromatic. In specialty coffee, altitude is a key indicator of quality, as it often correlates with a bean's unique and desirable characteristics.

8. How is sustainability practised in specialty coffee?

Sustainability is a cornerstone of specialty coffee, focusing on environmentally friendly farming, ethical labour practices, and community support. Farmers often use organic methods, protect ecosystems, and invest in renewable energy. Specialty coffee companies also prioritise fair wages and working conditions, ensuring the well-being of producers. By choosing specialty coffee, consumers support these sustainable practices, helping to create a more equitable and eco-friendly coffee industry.

9. What is single-origin coffee?

Single-origin coffee comes from a specific region, farm, or even a single lot within a farm. This exclusivity highlights the unique flavour profile of that origin, offering a distinct taste experience. Unlike blends, which combine beans from multiple sources, single-origin coffees showcase the terroir and farming practices of one location. Specialty coffee enthusiasts often prefer single-origin options for their clarity, traceability, and ability to tell the story of a particular region.

10. What is the difference between Arabica and Robusta?

Arabica and Robusta are the two main coffee species, with Arabica being the preferred choice for specialty coffee. Arabica beans are grown at higher altitudes and are known for their complex flavours, vibrant acidity, and delicate aromas. Robusta beans, on the other hand, are hardier and grow at lower altitudes, but they have a stronger, more bitter taste. In specialty coffee, Arabica is celebrated for its superior quality and ability to produce exceptional flavour profiles.

11. What is the role of the roaster in specialty coffee?

The roaster plays a crucial role in unlocking the potential of specialty coffee beans. By applying precise heat and timing, they develop the bean's unique flavours, enhancing its natural sweetness, acidity, and aroma. Roasting is both an art and a science, requiring expertise to create a balanced flavour profile. Specialty coffee roasters often experiment with different roast levels to highlight the characteristics of beans from specific regions. This dedication ensures that every cup showcases the best qualities of the coffee’s origin.

12. What is the cupping process?

Cupping is the standard method used by coffee professionals to evaluate the quality of coffee beans. During a cupping session, ground coffee is steeped in hot water, and the aroma and flavour are assessed. Factors such as acidity, body, balance, and aftertaste are considered to determine the coffee's overall quality. This process helps roasters and producers identify the distinct characteristics of different beans and make decisions on how to best roast and brew them. Cupping is an essential tool for grading specialty coffee and ensuring its consistency and quality.

13. What is the best way to brew specialty coffee?

The best way to brew specialty coffee depends on personal taste and the type of coffee being used. Common methods include pour-over, espresso, French press, and AeroPress. Each method highlights different aspects of the coffee’s flavour profile. For example, pour-over brewing emphasises clarity and brightness, while espresso creates a rich, concentrated flavour. The key is to use freshly ground beans and precise water temperature to bring out the best in your coffee. Experimenting with different brewing techniques allows you to discover the perfect cup for your preferences.

14. How important is grind size in brewing coffee?

Grind size is crucial in brewing coffee, as it affects extraction and the final flavour. A grind that is too fine may lead to over-extraction, making the coffee taste bitter, while a grind that is too coarse can cause under-extraction, resulting in a weak, flavourless brew. The ideal grind size varies depending on the brewing method; for example, espresso requires a fine grind, while French press uses a coarse grind. Achieving the correct grind size ensures that all the flavours of the coffee are fully extracted, resulting in a well-balanced cup.

15. What is coffee terroir?

Terroir refers to the environmental factors—such as climate, soil, altitude, and rainfall—that affect the growth of coffee plants and influence the flavour of the beans. Similar to wine, the concept of terroir in coffee highlights the unique characteristics that different regions, farms, and even micro-lots bring to the flavour profile. For example, coffee from Ethiopia may have fruity and floral notes due to its high-altitude, mineral-rich soil, while coffee from Brazil tends to be nuttier and more chocolatey. Terroir plays a significant role in the taste and quality of specialty coffee.

16. What is the difference between a light roast and a dark roast?

The difference between a light and dark roast lies in the roasting time and the flavours that are developed. Light roasts are roasted for a shorter time, preserving the coffee's original flavours from the region where it was grown. These coffees tend to have bright, fruity, and floral notes with higher acidity. Dark roasts, on the other hand, are roasted longer, which brings out bolder, smokier, and sometimes bittersweet flavours. Dark roasts have a lower acidity, and the characteristics of the origin are less pronounced, as the roasting process dominates the flavour profile.

17. What are the health benefits of drinking specialty coffee?

Specialty coffee, like regular coffee, offers various health benefits when consumed in moderation. It contains antioxidants that may help protect against cellular damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, coffee has been linked to improved cognitive function, increased energy levels, and a reduced risk of certain diseases, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The high quality of specialty coffee ensures that it is free from contaminants and toxins, providing a clean and enjoyable experience that supports a healthy lifestyle.

18. How should specialty coffee be stored?

To maintain the freshness and flavour of specialty coffee, it should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Exposure to air, moisture, heat, and light can cause coffee beans to lose their flavour and freshness quickly. Ideally, coffee should be consumed within a few weeks of roasting to enjoy its full potential. It's also recommended to buy coffee in smaller batches to ensure you always have fresh beans. If you need to store coffee for an extended period, freezing it can help preserve its freshness, though it’s best to only freeze it once.

19. What is the difference between a coffee blend and single-origin coffee?

A coffee blend is a mix of beans from different regions or farms, combined to create a balanced and consistent flavour profile. Blends are often crafted to provide a harmonious cup that highlights the best qualities of each coffee origin. Single-origin coffee, on the other hand, comes from one specific region, farm, or even a single lot within a farm. This allows the unique flavours of that particular origin to shine, offering a more distinct and complex cup. Specialty coffee enthusiasts often enjoy single-origin options for their ability to showcase the diversity of flavours found in coffee from around the world.

20. How does brewing time affect the flavour of coffee?

Brewing time significantly impacts the flavour of coffee by influencing the extraction process. If the coffee is brewed for too long, over-extraction can occur, resulting in a bitter, unpleasant taste. On the other hand, under-brewing leads to under-extraction, which can produce a weak, sour, or flat cup. The ideal brewing time depends on the method being used; for example, espresso typically brews in 25-30 seconds, while French press requires around 4 minutes. Achieving the correct brewing time is essential to creating a balanced cup with the right amount of sweetness, acidity, and body.

21. What are the main factors that affect the flavour of coffee?

Several factors affect the flavour of coffee, including the origin of the beans, the processing method, the roast level, and the brewing technique. The coffee’s origin plays a significant role in determining its flavour profile, as different regions produce beans with distinct characteristics. The processing method—whether washed, natural, or honey-processed—also impacts the final flavour. Roasting and brewing methods further influence how the flavours are developed and extracted. Ultimately, the way all these factors come together creates a unique flavour experience for every cup of specialty coffee.

22. Why is freshness important in specialty coffee?

Freshness is essential in specialty coffee because the flavours in coffee beans degrade over time. As soon as coffee is roasted, it begins to release carbon dioxide, and its flavour compounds start to break down. The fresher the coffee, the more vibrant and aromatic the cup will be. Specialty coffee is typically roasted in small batches to ensure freshness, and it is best enjoyed within a few weeks of roasting. Using freshly ground beans also helps preserve the coffee's flavours, as pre-ground coffee loses its freshness more quickly.

23. Can you drink specialty coffee without adding milk or sugar?

Absolutely! Many specialty coffee drinkers prefer to enjoy their coffee black to fully appreciate the unique flavours and aromas of the beans. Specialty coffee is carefully roasted and brewed to highlight the natural sweetness, acidity, and complex flavour notes of the beans. Adding milk or sugar can sometimes mask these delicate flavours, so drinking it black allows you to experience the coffee as intended. However, it's entirely up to personal preference, and some may choose to add milk or sugar to balance the flavours to their liking.

24. What is the best time of day to drink coffee?

The best time to drink coffee depends on individual preferences and lifestyle. Some people enjoy a cup of coffee first thing in the morning to kick-start their day, while others may prefer an afternoon coffee break. It's important to note that caffeine can stay in your system for several hours, so drinking coffee late in the day can interfere with sleep. Many experts recommend having your coffee in the morning or early afternoon for optimal energy and focus without affecting your nighttime rest.

25. What makes a good coffee bean?

A good coffee bean is one that is well-grown, processed, and roasted to bring out its best qualities. High-quality coffee beans come from reputable farms that use sustainable practices and pay attention to the details of cultivation. The beans should be fresh, free from defects, and roasted with care to highlight their unique flavour characteristics. In specialty coffee, beans are often hand-picked to ensure only the ripest cherries are used. A good coffee bean also has a balanced flavour profile with no overpowering or off-putting notes.

If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to reach out to us at hello@spectrumcoffee.com.au or visit our store to discuss all things coffee in person! We'd love to hear from you.